Joanna Kiki Lee Pruett

Joanna Kiki Lee Pruett was born Hiso Hsiang Lee in Taipei City of the country Taiwan on October 29, 1948 to parents Hsiang and Wei-Lin Lee, growing up with siblings Jill, Jerry, and Judy Lee. She joined the light of the Lord on Friday evening January 30, 2026 in the company of her closest friends Kirk Jones and Bill Snyder. Survived by her daughter Joanna Lee Pruett, adopted daughter Chanel Adams, and her grandchildren Chitrinee, Makayla, Ronan and Kiare.

Growing up in Taipei her family centered education, her father was a well-respected police captain, and her mother was an artist studying painting and calligraphy. She was a very studious young adult at Shang-te Christian College carrying that love for the arts in music, visual arts and dancing. Eventually, she crossed paths with John Pruett who was part of the US military stationed in Taiwan and they fell in love. In the late 1960’s they celebrated their love in a holy matrimony surrounded by both families in a large boisterous wedding in Taiwan. It was shortly after that the couple would move together to the United States and their daughter Joanna would be born. 

The couple moved around the states while John was stationed in various different military bases of the country. It wasn't until the mid-80’s when he was stationed in Honolulu that Kiki first came to the islands and fell in love with the energy of Aloha. Her and John eventually parted ways and she decided that she couldn’t leave the āina and stayed to grow as an independent woman on the islands. Her joyous and exuberant personality made her many friends on the islands, her beauty led her to a short modeling career journey and eventually she was introduced to the path of being a concierge. It became her life’s work to help visitors have an experience of a lifetime while visiting the paradise of Hawai’i. 

While she worked and lived in both O’ahu and Maui, she eventually settled in the Garden Isle of Kauai, where she became a significant presence. She worked for many years as the concierge, or the self proclaimed “Happy Booker”, for the Banyon Harbor resort. It was there that visitors would be greeted with her welcoming smile, vibrancy and witty humor. She worked diligently to ensure families could explore all the activities and beauty that she loved about Kauai. She cherished every single person, story, and memory she made along the way. She expressed and embodied the importance of spreading the Aloha spirit. 

Over the years her relationship with God strengthened as she became an active church member at Kauai Christian Fellowship. She attended service every Sunday and was very proud to participate in the hula dances performed there in the name of God. She always spread the word of compassion and generosity, loving thy neighbor, and finding joy and positivity in every day.

She is preceded in her passing by her three siblings, Jill, Jerry, and Judy Lee. She is survived by her daughters Joanna Lee Pruett and Chanel K. Adams, her grandchildren Chitrinee Pruett, Makayla O’Brien, Ronan O’Brien and Kiare Gomez as well as her best friends Kirk Jones and Bill Snyder. She is also lovingly remembered by countless extended family and friends she made through her generosity and bright spirit.

A celebratory memorial service honoring her life will be held at Kauai Christian Fellowship on February 7, 2026 at 1:30PM.

Any donations for floral arrangements or other please send to P.O Box 223131 Princeville, HI 96722

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